RTD breaks ground on two expansion projects

The Denver Regional Transportation District is breaking ground on two expansion projects. The final structure on the West Rail Line that will serve Denver, Lakewood, Golden and Jefferson County and the first segment of the Northwest Rail Line between Denver Union Station and south Westminster.

For the West Rail Line, a groundbreaking on the five-story, 800-space parking garage at Sheridan Boulevard and 10th Avenue places RTD one step closer to opening the 12.1-mile line in April 2013, eight months ahead of schedule.

"As the build-out of the West Rail Line nears completion, this groundbreaking marks a milestone for the entire Denver metro region. The prospects of greater connectivity to boost our region-wide efforts towards economic development, job creation and rapid transit are what spurs this development effort forward," said Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

The West Rail Line, the first of RTD's FasTracks rail lines, has also served as an economic engine for the metro area. It is estimated that 200 people will be needed to construct this latest parking garage.

RTD also broke ground on the first segment of the Northwest Rail Line at the site of the future Westminster Station near 71st Avenue and Irving Street.

The first segment of the Northwest Rail Line will run for six miles between Denver Union Station and south Westminster. The Northwest Line will eventually continue through Westminster to Boulder and Longmont.

The segment of the line from downtown to Westminster is part of the $2.1 billion Eagle P3 Project, a 34-year public-private partnership with Denver Transit Partners to build, operate, maintain and privately finance the FasTracks commuter rail system. It is under full construction toward a 2016 opening and includes the East Rail Line to Denver International Airport and the Gold Line to Arvada and Wheat Ridge.

"We are breaking ground on more than just a rail line, we are planting the seeds for opportunities and growth for tomorrow," said RTD Board member Larry Hoy, who represents Westminster. "The Northwest Rail Line will produce new jobs both during construction and long after the line is completed."